Executive Says Fight Is for Customers, Denies Retailer Has Too Much E-Book Clout

A senior Amazon.com Inc. executive on Tuesday defended the company against criticism that it is using its growing clout in electronic books to bully a major publisher into onerous contractual terms, saying the online retailer is fighting for better prices for its customers.

Amazon's trade dispute with Lagardere SCA's Hachette Book Group is now in its third month. The retailer wants a larger share of e-book revenue and other concessions related to how books are promoted, according to one industry executive. Hachette is...